1970s Don Shepherd for Blenko No. 7727l “Bamboo” Crystal Glass Floor Vase

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A striking monumental “Bamboo” floor vase designed by Don Shepherd for the Blenko Glass Company of Milton, West Virginia, circa … Read more A striking monumental “Bamboo” floor vase designed by Don Shepherd for the Blenko Glass Company of Milton, West Virginia, circa 1977–1978. Hand-blown in clear glass—called “Crystal” in Blenko’s period catalogs—the vase rises in three architectural cylindrical sections divided by pronounced, hand-tooled bamboo-node rings. A broad rolled rim and substantial circular foot give the transparent form a beautifully grounded silhouette.

The restrained palette places the emphasis on scale, proportion, and craftsmanship. Subtle bubbles, slight asymmetry, tooling marks, and the rough pontil beneath the base are characteristic of hand-blown production and make each example distinct. At 25.5 inches high, the vase has the presence to stand alone as a sculptural object, while its open form can accommodate tall branches or an airy botanical arrangement.

The design is documented in Blenko’s 1977 and 1978 catalogs as model 7727L, the large version in the company’s “Bamboo” grouping. It was conceived under Don Shepherd, Blenko’s design director during this period. The vase is unmarked, as is common for Blenko production glass after the loss of its removable label; its identification rests on the distinctive cataloged form, construction, proportions, and period production details.

An elegant example of American art glass with a clean, almost architectural presence, well suited to Mid-Century Modern, Organic Modern, contemporary, and collected interiors.

Keywords:
Blenko floor vase, Don Shepherd Blenko, Blenko 7727L, Blenko Bamboo vase, clear Blenko glass, Crystal Blenko vase, monumental glass vase, hand-blown floor vase, West Virginia glass, American art glass, Mid-Century Modern vase, Organic Modern decor. See less